Policy Work

COVID-19 Rapid Research Information Forum

The Academy is working as part of the Rapid Research Information Forum (RRIF), a group chaired by Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel AO FAA FTSE FAHMS.

This expert forum provides a mechanism through which the government receives scientific input and analysis of the latest evidence on pressing questions regarding COVID-19, as they emerge.

As a learned Academy, AAHMS is a core member of this group. Our Fellows act as lead and contributing authors of RRIF briefings, alongside Fellows of other Academies and additional experts.

The forum draws on the interdisciplinary expertise of Australia’s peak scientific bodies and further information is available from the Australian Academy of Science, which coordinates the forum’s operations.

We are grateful to our Fellows and Associate Members who provided valuable input into the forum during 2020.

To date, the RRIF has produced responses on:

Monitoring wastewater to detect COVID-19

Download Monitoring wastewater to detect COVID-19 (21 April)

Re-infection with SARS-CoV-2

Download Re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 (19 April) – led by AAHMS

Seasonality of COVID-19: Impact on the spread and severity

Download Seasonality of COVID-19: Impact on the spread and severity (15 April)

Learning outcomes for online versus in-class education

Download Learning outcomes for online versus in-class education (1 May).

Impact of the pandemic on Australia’s research workforce

Download Impact of the pandemic on Australia’s research workforce (8 May).

The most promising vaccines for COVID-19

Download The most promising vaccines for COVID-19 (17 June – UPDATED)

The most promising therapeutics for COVID-19

Download The most promising therapeutics for COVID-19 (6 July – UPDATED) – led by AAHMS.

The impact of COVID-19 on women in the STEM workforce

Download The impact of COVID-19 on women in the STEM workforce (17 May 2020)

Motivators for use of the COVID-Safe app

Download Motivators for use of the COVID-Safe app (17 May 2020).

Viability of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces

Download Viability of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces (27 May 2020)

Determinants of morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19

Download Determinants of morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 and sex-related differences (31 Aug 2020).

Changes in public sentiment in relation to data privacy

Download Changes in public sentiment in relation to data privacy during COVID-19 (28 Nov 2020).

COVID-19 Rapid Research Information Forum

AAHMS

Other Policy Work

Our policy work is organised around three strategic themes that reflect the most urgent challenges and enduring priorities in Australian health today.
Each theme reflects our ambition to influence long-term policy reform that improves lives, strengthens health systems, and supports the scientific and health workforce Australia needs. Explore each of our strategic themes to learn more about how the Academy is driving policy change.